A Country Charmer

By Hillary Latos

While this year has seen its share of snowfall, take advantage of winter time activities and become one with nature in just under 2 hours by car at The Emerson located at the base of Mount Tremper and Esopus Creek.

Spend the day on the powder at nearby Belleayre or Hunter Mountains and relax in the afternoon at their award winning spa or in the beautiful and cozy lodge. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Adirondacks surrounded by majestic pines and century old maples that characterize the Catskills. The resort offers two styles of accommodations. The Inn combines luxury and comfort with an Eastern influence which is currently undergoing a refurbishment to be completed by late spring. Choose from one of the 26 premium apartment sized suites offering between 620 and 1000 square feet of living space including marbled bathrooms with a Swiss shower and jetted tub for two, a sitting area, canopied draped bed and private deck. For those looking for the utmost in comfort book the 2 story, 2 bathroom loft with a living room downstairs and bedroom above. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the 27 room Lodge which blends seamlessly with nature and designed in a traditional and cozy Adirondack log cabin style with mountain or stream views, whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces. At the pet friendly Emerson, man's best friend is treated like a VIP, Very Important Pet, with a variety of amenities offered and an outdoor dog park for pets to run and mingle.

After an active day of outdoor activities relax in their acclaimed spa that specializes in Eastern and Western treatments. Enter through the imposing 17th century Rajasthani palace doors where guests are transported to an otherworldly retreat of peace and tranquility. Indulge in an Ayurvedic ritual that can be tailored to individual needs creating physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony.

Enjoy the bounty from the Hudson Valley at the family friendly Catamount Restaurant, also known as The Cat serving a variety of classic American fare with breathtaking views over the valley. Locals come in for their nightly specials that range from prime rib dinners, steak and shrimp night, to their famous burger and open mic night. Other comfort food specialties include braised beef brisket shepherd's pie, maple roasted double cut pork chop, and pepper seared beef tenderloin tornados. Over the summer Woodnotes Grille will be opening which was inspired by the work by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Home to the America's largest kaleidoscope, this 56 foot silo has been entertaining guests of all ages with its brilliant moving images designed by kaleidoscope artist Charles Karadinos and psychedelic artist Isaac Abrams and choreographed to a musical score by Gary Burke. The Kaleidoshow runs every 10 minutes throughout the day and can only be found at The Emerson.

Snowbunnies can take advantage of The Emerson's midweek pricing starting at $53 per night per person with $30 day ski lift tickets.

For more information:
emersonresort.com